Mrs. Marie Anderson, 1211 Main Street, widow of the late
Edw. Anderson, is advised in a letter from Secretary of the Navy Frank
Knox that her son, Norman Edward Anderson, 24, Seaman Second Class,
United States Naval Reserve, reported missing in action a year ago, must now be
presumed to be dead.

In his letter of condolence, the Secretary of the Navy points out
that her son was traveling in a passenger status onboard a merchant
ship, when it was torpedoed and sunk in the mid-Atlantic on February 7,
1943
and describes the rescue operations as carried out by American and
Allied vessels.

In Service Over 2 Years
Norman Edward Anderson was born January 28, 1920 and was graduated from
the senior high school here with the class of 1937. He enlisted in the
Navy in September 1941 and was called into service April 1, 1942.

He received his training at the United States Naval Training Station
at San Diego, CA, where he completed his course in the machinists'
school. He was called to active duty in December 1942.

Besides his mother, he is survived by a brother, Corporal Gordon E. Anderson,
USA, now stationed in England.

"Your son, Norman Edward Anderson, Seaman Second Class, United
States Naval Reserve, was traveling in a passenger status onboard a merchant
ship, when that vessel was sunk as the result of being torpedoed without
warning between 3 and 4 o'clock on 7 February 1943.

"This action occurred in mid-Atlantic. At the time of the
torpedoing, the sea had moderate swells and the visibility was fair to
poor, due to an overcast sky with no moon. Rescue operations were
carried out by American and Allied vessels.

"In view of the time which has elapsed, and the severe weather
conditions that prevailed at the time of the sinking, and considering
the fact that no personnel on this ship has been reported prisoners of
war, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son is
deceased. Pursuant to section 5 of public law 490, as amended, his death
is presumed to have occurred on 8 February 1944, which is the day
following the day of the expiration of an absence of 12 months.

"It is deeply regretted that the hope, which you have held during
these intervening months for the safe return of your son, must now be
concluded. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your sorrow. Sincerely
yours, Frank Knox."